Youth program prepares for second phase

After five weeks of learning what to expect in the employment field, those enrolled in the Fort Frances and District Association for Community Living’s “Youth at Risk” pre-employment program soon will begin the second phase of their training–work placement.
This week, program co-ordinators Allene Perusse and Rosanne Zimmerman spent much time talking to various local businesses that will provide six-week job placements for the 15 people, aged 16-29, enrolled in the program.
“It’s gone over well,” said Perusse. “The businesses are really impressed by the 30 hours a week the trainees have been learning. They like the idea they’ve been trained beforehand.”
Those enrolled in the program have received training in time management, first aid, WHMIS, assertiveness, using basic job-based technology (such as fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers), and customer service.
“Customer service is a big one,” noted Perusse. “It’s what a lot of the employers we’ve talked to value in employees.”
Connie Wagner, one of those taking the course, said the time management and assertiveness training were the most useful to her.
“They build up a positive attitude and a higher self-confidence,” she remarked.
Wagner, who will spend her six weeks of placement at the Fort Frances Children’s Complex, was thrilled at the opportunity. “I’m looking forward to working there. I really like children,” she enthused.
“I think all the people in the course are learning lots,” Perusse said. “They’re interested and show up every day. There’s no absences here.”
The program, launched after a $53,250 grant by the federal government last December, is targeted at “youth at risk”–people under 30 who are having a difficult time landing jobs due to an employment disadvantage, which in the case of local youths means living in a rural, isolated area.